“There is stronger demand for permanent candidates within the natural resources sector. Both big players and newer ventures within natural resources are looking for generalist HR staff at all levels with strong backgrounds from organisations with good global coverage. Having been less affected by current economic volatility, recruitment hasn’t been frozen as it has in other sectors.”

Language skills needed for international HR roles

“Organisations with a focus on growth in emerging markets in particular are placing increased emphasis on language skills. As a result candidates with language skills, as well as HR skills, are in higher demand for internationally focused roles.”

Change candidates in demand in financial services

“With the financial services and banking sectors still going through significant organisational change, restructuring or change of ownership, change and project candidates are in high demand. HR change managers, TUPE consultants and HR project leads with experience of large scale organisational change are particularly sought after.”

Market data:

Permanent

• Permanent salaries up 0.08% MOM

• Permanent vacancies up 1.55% MOM to 1,967

• HR Assistant salaries rose the most, up 1.67%

MOM to &pound23,236

Contract

• Contract pay up 0.03% MOM

• Contract vacancies down 0.79% MOM to 251

“Whilst contractor vacancy numbers remain fairly static, demand for permanent staff has risen more significantly with 1.55% more vacancies compared to last month. This is driven, in part, by the natural resource sector and the need for language skills in internationally focused roles.”